UEFA Euro 2012 Day 1 LIVE:

Hello and welcome to the opening day of the Euro 2012 football tournament from Poland and Ukraine.
16 of the biggest International teams from Europe battle it out to see which rules supreme. 

These are the two matches today from Group A:


Poland vs Greece: LIVE from 17:00pm on BBC1


The co-hosts are in action against the 2004 winners Greece in their first match. Can they take all three points in-front of their home fans?


Russia vs Czech Republic: LIVE from 19:45pm on ITV1

This could be a tough match for both sides with Russia's attack lethal however, the Czech's have one of the best goalkeeper's in the world with Petr Cech and Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky to deal with.


19:15:

FULL-TIME:

Poland 1 Greece 1

What a way to start Euro 2012! An under-rated match in truth started off well after the opening ceremony celebrations.

Beautiful sight: Hosts Poland and Ukraine join together to create a great opening ceremony to Euro 2012.

Poland dominated throughout the first half, with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski scoring a header in the 17th minute from a deadly cross to give the hosts the lead. 

Special one: Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski scores the opening goal of Euro 2012 for Poland.

The crowd erupted in and out of the stadium after the goal.

Just before half-time, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulous was sent off after his second bookable offence after pulling down a Polish player who was alone and close to scoring.

Oh dear: Defender Papastathopoulous is given a controversial second yellow card before half-time.

Greece were then down to ten men and had to fight to get back into the match.

After half-time, the Greece manager Fernando Santos introduced PAOK striker Dimitris Salpingidis who made an instant impact, by scoring in the 51st minute from a tap-in after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's mistake. 

Super sub: Salpingidis scores a tap-in in the 51st minute to give Greece a chance of winning the match.

In the 68th minute, Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny gave away a penalty after tackling Salingidis inside the box, and not getting the ball.

He was given a straight red card, but captain Giorgos Karagounis's penalty was saved by PSV goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton.

Bye bye: Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is sent off for a challenge on Salpingidis inside the box.

Penatly of doom: Greece failed to captalize on their penalty chance, with Tyton saving the day for Poland.

Greece had a goal disallowed in the 75th minute, and despite their efforts to try and score again, the match finished 1-1.

Ultimately, the two sides had to settle for a draw in game which offered plenty of excitement from start to finish.


21:30:


FULL-TIME
 
Russia 4 Czech Republic 1 


The second and final match on the opening day of Euro 2012.

Midfielder Alan Dzagoev broke the deadlock for Russia in the 15th minute after a rebounded header which hit the post came back to him, when he fiercely hit the ball past Cech.

You are being watched: Young startlet Alan Dzagoev scores for Russia in the 15th minute, amid reports of a move to the EPL soon.

Arsenal winger Andrei Arshavin cut past the Czech defence before finding Roman Shirokov who doubled Russia's lead in the 24th minute.

Goal time: Roman Shirokov celebrates his goal for Russia in the 24th minute to double the lead.

Czech player Pilar scored in the 52nd minute in the second half after Russia failed to apply the offside trap and he went round the goalkeeper before tapping the ball into an empty net to give the Czech's hope. 

There's still hope: Pilar goes round the keeper before scoring for Czech Republic in the 52nd minute.

Midfielder Dzagoev took a touch of the ball, before hitting a bullet strike in the 79th minute to give the Russians a 3-1 lead.


3 minutes later, Tottenham striker Roman Pavlychenko cut inside the defence before smacking the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, giving him no chance.

No stopping that: Tottenham striker Roman Pavlychenko scores against Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to give Russia a 4-1 lead.

Winning feeling: Russia celebrate winning the first three points of the Euros against Czech Republic.

Group A Table:


1. Russia - 3 points, 4 goals
2. Greece - 1 point, 1 goal
3. Poland - 1 point, 1 goal
4. Czech Republic - 0 points, 1 goal

Quick EPL News Update:

Manchester United are ready to make Borussia Dortmund and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski - who scored today, their second summer signing for £15million. 

Bayern Munich are ready to make a £20million bid to take Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko back to Germany. 


Chelsea are looking to offer Roberto Di Matteo a one-year contract to prove himself as the permanent Chelsea manager.

Stoke are interested in signing former Manchester United striker Michael Owen who has been released.




Join me tomorrow for Group B action:



Holland vs Denmark: LIVE from 17:00pm on BBC1 at Metalist Stadium


Germany vs Portugal: LIVE from 19:45pm on BBC1 at Arena Lyiv

Wednesday EPL and Euro 2012 Update:

Hello and welcome to my Wednesday EPL and Euro 2012 Update.
I hope you enjoy this news update and analysis of what has been going on in the world of football in the last few days.

Let's begin with some EPL news and analysis:


Chelsea have officially confirmed the rumour (on their website) that they have signed Lille winger Eden Hazard for a reported fee of around £32million.

He has said: 'I am delighted to finally arrive, it's a wonderful club and I 
can't wait to get started.'
'I have always wanted to play in England, and I know that if I play well enough, I will get into the squad.'

He has passed a medical in London and will join the rest of his team-mates in July after the Euros for pre-season training.

It's official: Winger Eden Hazard shows off his new Chelsea kit for next season at Stamford Bridge.

FACT: He is the second highest transfer fee signing for Chelsea behind Fernando Torres, who cost £50million.

FACT: He is the fourth Belgian to sign for Chelsea in less than 2 years.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne all signed last season but Courtois and De Bruyne have been on loan at (Atletico Madrid and Genk respectively) 

Manchester United have officially confirmed the £17million signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Shinji Kagawa.

Promising player: Winger Kagawa is the 5th Japanese player to play for an EPL club and will be expected to make an impact for United.

The deal is almost finished, with only a work permit and medical left to do. 

Here is a 15 minute video of all his goals and assists from last season at Dortmund:

Turkish side Fenerbache have confirmed that they have signed Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt for a reported fee for around £1-2million. 

Done deal: Liverpool midfielder Dirk Kuyt has agreed a deal with Turkish side Fenerbache and will link up with his new team-mates after Euro 2012 duty with Holland. 

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has gone on holiday to think about his future at Spurs. 


Newly promoted West Ham have had a £4million bid for Norwich City striker Grant Holt rejected. 
Norwich want at least £6million.


Sunderland are lining up a £4million bid for Aston Villa winger Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Manager Gary O'Neill will want to link up with his old player.

Shengai Shenhua striker Nicolas Anelka is reportedly looking to move back to England after a hectic year in China. Tottenham, West Ham and QPR are all looking at the former Chelsea and Arsenal striker. 


West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed that goalkeeper Robert Green will leave the club in the summer.

Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy has broken a code of conduct to reveal that he has been picked by manager Stuart Pearce as one of the over-aged players to play at The London Olympics this sunmmer, despite the fact he is actually Welsh. 


Tottenham winger Rafael Van Der Vaart has said that he wants to stay at Spurs, but has refused to rule out a move away from the club due to no Champions Leauge football next season.

Wolves winger Matt Jarvis is wanted by Fulham and Stoke City along with Udinese.
£5million should be enough to weaken Wolves' hold on him, plus the fact that he wants to play in the EPL next season.

German side FC Schalke are interested in him and are lining up a £10million bid.

Porto winger Hulk has almost confirmed a move to Chelsea, after admitted that he is ready to leave Portugal.

Coming to London? Hulk admits that his time in Portugal may be up, and the rumour is that Chelsea have made a £38million bid for him.

Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Arengtinian midfielder Lucas Biglia.

Tottenham are looking at goalkeeper Robert Green after he confirmed that he will leave West Ham this summer.

England's no.2: Robert Green is wanted by clubs including Tottenham as he confirmed he WILL leave West Ham this summer.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are fighting Manchester United to sign Crewe midfielder Nick Powell who has a bright future ahead of him.

Wanted: Crewe midfielder Nick Powell is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Sunderland want to sign Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady along with Liverpool. 

Two-way battle: Sunderland are ready to fight Liverpool for Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady.

 
Birmingham manager Chris Hughton has been granted permission to speak to Norwich. The Canaries need a new manager, after Paul Lambert left on Saturday to go to Aston Villa.

Bye bye Norwich: Lambert poses at Villa Park stadium, his new club's home ground.

Talking is good: Paul Lambert in his first press conference as the new Aston Villa manager.

A statement released by Birmingham read: 
'Birmingham City FC can confirm that Norwich City FC have made an approach for Chris Hughton with regards to their vacant managerial position.
'Hughton expressed a wish to speak to the Canaries and permission was reluctantly granted.'
A club statement read: "Norwich City can confirm that Birmingham City have granted the club permission to speak to Chris Hughton about the vacant managerial position at Carrow Road.


Blackburn winger Junior Holiett is reportedly being watched by German side Borussia Monchengladbach who need to strenghen their squad ahead of their Champions League adventure next season.

Winger Glyfi Sigurdsson admits that he is interested in moving to Liverpool despite agreeing a fee with Hoffenheim to play for Swansea. 

A twist in the tale? Hoffeinheim have already agreed a £7million deal for Sigurdsson to go to Swansea, but Liverpool's new manager Brendan Rodgers (who has previously at Swansea) wants him.

Chelsea have told Roberto Di Matteo they would like him to remian as their manager, after former Barcelona manager Pepe Guardiola rejected their offer as he wants a 1-year rest. 


Tottenham midfielder Niko Krancjar has said that he is close to a move to Ukraine, to Dynamo Kiev for around £6million.


Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun is expected to announce his departure from Chelsea later this week, with newly poromted West Ham, Ajax, Maccabi Haifa and even Arsenal interested.

Where to next? Benayoun is wanted away from Chelsea and is almost leaving the club this summer.

Southampton are ready to offer £3.5million for Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland after their recent promotion to the EPL.


Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez says that he wants to stay at City, but will look to move to Argentina, to Boca Juniors before he retires.
Edin Dzeko is set to leave City now after months of being on the bench.


Chelsea are reportedly looking at £15million-rated Everton midfielder Marouane Fellani.

Wanted: Midfielder Marouane Fellani could be on his way out of Everton in the near future...

Manchester United are ready to test Tottenham's hold on midfielder Luka Modric by offering £22million.

We have been here before: Luka Modric wants CL football, and Manchester United want him.

They rejected a £40million bid from Chelsea last season, but he is almost out of contract and they would rather take some money, than let him leave on a free transfer. He says that he DOES want to play Champions League football next season, which Spurs cannot offer him.

Napoli are interesting in Everton and England left-back Leighton Baines.


Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has said that he wants to stay at Spurs beyond next season, and they need to hurry up and offer him a new contract.
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellani is wanted to some of the top clubs in Europe, and manager David Moyes is worried that he may lose him for about £20million.
That performance on Saturday against England will add to his transfer value aswell.

BREAKING NEWS:
Ukraine side Dynamo Kiev say that they have signed Tottenham midfielder Niko Krancjar on a four-year contract. 
Around £5-6million. 

Norwich have named Birmingham manager Chris Hughton as new manager of Norwich.

Euro 2012 News:

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is involved in a row with England manager Roy Hodgson.
His representative has said that he has been treated with a 'total lack of respect'. 'It is a disgrace for a player who has played for his country 81 times, to be left out of the squad twice.'

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has been called up to the England squad as Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has a broken jaw in two places. 

Belgium winger Dries Mertens has sincerly apologised for his actions after pushing defender Gary Cahill into Joe Hart which broke his jaw and ended his hopes of playing at Euro 2012. 

EPL Players who will feature for all 16 teams playing in the Euros:

Czech Republic: Petr Cech (Chelsea) and Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal)

Greece: None

Russia: Pavel Pogbrebnyak (Fulham), former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov and Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal).

Poland: Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)

Holland: John Heitinga (Everton), former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt, Nigel De Jong (Manchester City), Michel Vorm (Swansea), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) and Rafael Van Der Vaart (Tottenham)


Denmark: Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal) and Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United)


Portugal: Rual Meireles (Chelsea) and Nani (Manchester United)


Germany: Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker (both Arsenal).


Croatia: Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka (both Tottenham)


Spain: Fernando Torres and Juan Mata (both Chelsea), Pepe Reina (Liverpool) and David Silva (Manchester City)


Italy: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City)


Ukraine: None


France: Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Gael Clichy amd Samir Nasri (both Manchester City), Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa (both Newcastle), Florent Malouda (Chelsea) and Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)


Sweden: Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) and Jonas Olsson (West Brom).

England: Everyone, except from goalkeeper Jack Butland.

England WILL fly to Poland today and will get to their Euro 2012 hotel base at around 17:30pm (English time).

Let's do this: The 23-man squad plus Roy Hodgson and his staff pose for a picture before flying to Krakow.

England's official sponsor, car manufacturer Vauxhall wish the team luck before the major tournament starts on Friday.

BREAKING NEWS:


France midfielder Yann M'Vila is set to miss the match against England next Monday due to an ankle injury sustained against Serbia in a friendly last week. 

England striker Jermain Defoe has been given permission to and will fly home to London, because of news that his dad has died. He will meet with his family, and could miss England's opening match against France.

France left-back Patrice Evra has said that England leaving team-mate Rio Ferdinand out of the squad will boost France and the rest of the teams in the group. 


Black players will be BOOKED if they leave the pitch over racist abuse during Euro 2012, but referee can stop matches if any racism is present.

International Friendly - England vs Belgium: LIVE Commentary

Hello and welcome to my LIVE coverage of England's last warm-up match before the Euro 2012 tournament against Belgium at Wembley Stadium.

Unfortunately for Belgium, they failed to qualify but will give England a tough test this evening with the likes of Eden Hazard, rock solid Vincent Kompany and Moussa Dembele. 

England narrowly beat Norway 1-0 last week thanks to Ashley Young's 8th minute strike. Can they get the win they need today against a tough Belgium side to give them morale ahead of the match against France on June the 11th?

England vs Belgium - LIVE Commentary:

Team Line-ups this evening:

England vs Belgium:

England: Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Milner, Parker, Gerrard, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Young, Welbeck. 
Subs: Green, Jones, Baines, Lescott, Jagielka, Henderson, Downing, Defoe, Rooney, Carroll, Walcott, Butland.

The first team (almost) start with only Frank Lampard (injury), Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott not starting.

FACT: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the youngest player in the starting line-up for England since Micah Richards in 2006.


4-3-2-1 formation possibly, with James Milner, Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard infront of the midfield but behind Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ashley Young who will support Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.


Belgium: Mignolet, Guillaume Gillet, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Hazard, Fellaini, Witsel, Mertens, Mirallas, Dembele.
Subs: Renard, Simons, De Camargo, Pocognoli, Chadli, Benteke, Vossen, Lukaku, Odoi, Nainggolan, De Ceulaer, Defour.

BREAKING NEWS: Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of the match today, due to a calf strain suffered during midweek. 
He has not been able to shake it off.
He will be replaced by Simons.

A lot of notable names in Belguim's squad here. I wish they were in the Euros.

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, New Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, Everton midfielder Marouane Fellani, Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel, PSV winger Dries Mertens, Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen and Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele all start. 

Formation 4-3-3 here today for Belgium.

Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku is on the bench along with Defour.

Other International friendly matches being played today include:

Holland vs Northern Ireland 
Denmark vs Australia
Norway vs Croatia
Portugal vs Turkey



Goal-line technology WILL be tested tonight during this match.
Black netting, sensors and cameras above each goal.

Hawk-eye technology: If it successful today, The FA will have a meeting in July to decide whether to continue.

17:10:
The teams are coming out of the tunnel now. 


17:12: National anthems now, with Belguim starting (but no-one in the team knows the words!)

England now, with 'God Save the Queen' on the first day of the official Diamond Jubilee.

 

17:15:

The referee blows the whistle to kick start this friendly!


0: Belgium start us off here at Wembley.


3: Belgium dominating possession so far, with some good passing.
Dembele and Hazard gelling together to give the England defence some trouble.

6: England free-kick after midfielder Steven Gerrard is bodychecked by Moussa Dembele.

7: Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sprints past Gillet but gets tackled just as he is getting towards the wing. Close. 

Young talent: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks promising for England today against Belgium and is a threat.

He is a danger and an asset for England.


8: Another foul by Dembele on Gerrard before Milner's through ball towards Chamberlain is not taken as he slips when taking a shot from 20 yards out. 

10: England have seemed to get into this match now, with some good passes and possession is more balanced.

The problem is that they always start matches off slowly and sluggishly. This could cost them in the Euros. 

11: Chamberlain is fouled by Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel after driving in-between him and Dembele. Free-kick given England's way.

13: An over-the-top ball by Ashley Cole finds Danny Welbeck who tracks back to find Chamberlain who shoots from 25 yards out with the side of his foot.... OVER THE BAR!!! 
If he had a touch to control the ball, it could have been a goal and it just went over...

16: Oh dear.

Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill has gone down on the pitch after being pushed by Dries Mertens into goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Nasty collison and Mertens is booked for the push.
Lucky not to get a red card though. 

Nasty work: Mertens pushed Cahill into his own goalkeeper to try and win the ball from him as he was being blocked.

Down and out: Defender Gary Cahill is injured after being pushed into Joe Hart and damaging his jaw.

17: England doctor has come onto the pitch, and Cahill is bleeding from his jaw.
Possibly a fracture and this is not good for England's hopes for the Euros.
A lot of injuries and suspensions already and they do not need this.

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott is warming up, and getting ready to come on.

19: Gary Cahill is not happy as he limps off, while Lescott replaces him.

England SUB:

Joleon Lescott ON
Gary Cahill OFF (injury)
  
22:
Steven Gerrard and Marouane Fellani get into a tussle with Fellani worse off as he has a bloody knee.
Nothing serious though, and the game goes on.

23: 
Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel takes a shot from 20 yards out which swerves just over the bar and past Joe Hart. Close to 1-0. 


25: Belgium looking dangerous here after their early chance.
They win a free-kick after a late challenge by Glen Johnson on Dries Mertens just outside the box.
The free-kick is cleared away for a corner, which is cleared away by Johnson.


30: Midfielder Scott Parker is booked for a late challenge on Jan Vertoghen. He followed through with both feet and it was dangerous so a yellow card seems fair.


35: Ashley Young finds Danny Welbeck with a through ball past Vertoghen into the box before chipping the goakeeper from 12 yards out.... GOAL!!!!!!!!!
1-0 to England, with 10 minutes of the first half to go. Great goal by Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck with a classy finish.

Nice one: Welbeck chips Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to give England the lead after 35 minutes at Wembley.

1st senior goal for England: Welbeck celebrates with the creator and Manchester United team-mate Ashley Young.

45:
The referee blows the whistle to start the second half in this match.
England lead thanks to a deadly striking partnership from Manchester United team-mates Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck.


47: Chamberlain runs down the wing after a good through ball by Cole before crossing the ball towards the six yard box, but defender Vertoghen heads away for a corner.


48: Corner comes to nothing as Everton midfielder Marouane Fellani tackles Chelsea defender John Terry and Belgium clear the danger.


49: Cameras show England manager Roy Hodgson, and he looks worried.
Who can blame him as he is just days away from a major tournament and half of the first-team are either injured or suspended.


50: Defender Jan Vertoghen finds himself in space to take a shot from 25 yards out but it goes wide for a goal kick. Never really troubling goalkeeper Joe Hart whose goal-kick is long.

52: Wayne Rooney is walking off the bench and onto the touchline. Substitution for England here.

53:
England SUB:
Wayne Rooney ON
Danny Welbeck OFF


Warm round of applause for the Manchester United forward Welbeck who has played well today and scored a beautiful chip.
Team-mate Rooney takes his place.


55: Epic race between Vermaelen and Milner to win the ball from just outside the centre circle.
Vermaelen is worse off after Milner's studs go into his ribs.

57: The physio are giving the Arsenal defender treatment off the pitch.

58: Chamberlain goes on a bursting run of pace before getting elbowed in the face by Dembele. Drop ball before being kicked towards Mignolet for a goal-kick.

59: Belgium SUB:

Nacer Chadli ON
Kevin Mirallas OFF 

60: Belgium looking dangerous again, with Hazard taking a curling shot from outside the 18-yard box but Joe Hart saved it.

61: Nice pass and move by Eden Hzard and Marouane Fellani before his shot at the near post is caught by Hart. 
Too weak to trouble Hart.
If only they started the match like this...


64: Nice quick passing by Belgium but Mertens' cross into the box is caught by Hart.


66:
England SUB:

Jermain Defoe ON
Theo Walcott ON
Ashley Young OFF
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain OFF


Chamberlain and Young are two of England's hot prospects for this competition and both have played well today.
Theo Walcott and Defoe both have to make good impressions if they are to start against France on Monday the 11th.

69:

England SUB:


Phil Jagielka ON
John Terry OFF


Terry walks straight down the tunnel, and the word is that he is nursing a slight knock to his ankle or hamstring.
Everton defender Phil Jagielka replaces him in the centre of defence.


72:

Belgium SUB:
Romelu Lukaku ON
Dries Mertens OFF


Mertens has played well today, and apart from the incident with Cahill and Hart, he has been electric in attack for Belgium and been unlucky not to provide at least one goal.


74: Wayne Rooney finds Jermain Defoe with a nice through ball past the defenders but his shot inside the 18-yard box is deflected and cleared away from a throw-in. Unlucky.


75: Eden Hazard finds his future team-mate and striker Romelu Lukaku inside the box who shoots towards goal... but his Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole blocks the shot.


76: Defender Joleon Lescott is recieving treatment from the physio on the touchilne from a head cut.

77: Defender Gillet takes a stinging drive from 25 yards out and a pass by Dembele towards goal.. HITS THE POST!! and it goes out of play. Close to an equaliser for Belgium.


78: Lescott comes back onto the pitch, while Lukau clashews with Hart in a fight for the ball. Free-kick to England.


80: Fellani has a shot blocked by Ashley Cole before Axel Witsel's shot goes over the bar.


81: Nice run by Theo Walcott who sidesteps past two defenders before finding Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe in space who takes a shot from 16 yards out towards goal.... HITS THE POST!
Unlucky or what?! Defoe had the keeper beat but not the post.


82: Winger Eden Hazard goes on a counter attacking run for Belgium but his shot is wide of the frame of the goal.


83:
England SUB:
Jordan Henderson ON
Steven Gerrard OFF


One Liverpool player off, another on with Gerrard being smartly rested towards the late stages of the game.
Gerrard gives the captain's armband to Wayne Rooney.


86: Belgium continue to press England with a dangerous in-swinging corner but defender Jan Vertoghen's header goes over the bar.

88: England awareded a free-kick deep inside the Belgium half after Dembele bodychecked Glen Johnson.

90: Striker Jermain Defoe takes a dangerous shot from inside the box, but it goes into the side netting.

The fourth official signals 4 minutes of stoppage time to be added on here at Wembley. 


90+4:
The referee blows the whistle to end this match at Wembley!
England win 1-0 again with Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck scoring the only goal of the match.
There will be shouts from Belgium and the neutral football fans, stating that if defender Vincent Kompany was playing, then England would NOT have won.
They pressed and pressed but could not find a way past Joe Hart.
There are more injury worries for England, with defender Gary Cahill set to have an x-ray tomorrow to reveal his Euro 2012 fate after a suspected fractured jaw.

My England Man Of The Match goes to:

Ashley Young

He played well throughout the match, and gave the Belgium defence trouble.
He linked up well with team-mate Danny Welbeck and assisted his lovely chip past Mignolet.

Surely, he has done enough to start against France?!

Man Of The Match goes to:

Moussa Dembele

He controlled the midfield for Belgium in this match, provided a threat to England and linked up with Mertens and Hazard on the wings.
Also helped the defence when needed and was a rock.

He represented his club Fulham well, and I would not be surprised if some European clubs declare their interest in him just from this performance. 

Thank you for reading my blog post. 
I appreciate all of the support from your daily views and my followers.
If you like what you see, then follow me for updates on when I post.
Please spread the word to your friends and family (who are interested in football/soccer), and hopefully I can get more blog traffic here and continue for years. 

I will speak to you all later in my next blog post.


P.S
In the comments section (at the bottom of every post), please tell me which players you want your club to sign this summer, and who should be sold.

Friday EPL and Euro 2012 News Update:

Hello and welcome to my Friday EPL News Update.

First off, I want to formally congratulate manager Brendan Rodgers on becoming the new Liverpool manager.

4th manager in less than 2 years: Rodgers will look to get The Reds back to the Champions League.

You'll never walk alone: Rodgers has been unveiled as the new Liverpool manager.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and fomer Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish are some of the first to congratulate him.
Mourinho says that he believes that his friend can bring Liverpool back to the glory days, while Daglish wishes Rodgers good luck at the club.

Secondly, I am confirming that I will analyse and do LIVE Commentaries throughout Euro 2012 starting next Friday.

Thirdly, I appreciate all the views and support from followers.
We have now gone over the 20,000 view mark. I hope we can keep this up throughout this year and the next also. 
I could not have done this without you all.
Thank you.


Lastly, I hope that you will continue to stay with me on this blog throughout the summer despite the EPL period being over.

If you have any friends or family that like football/soccer then please introduce them to this blogsite.


I hope you enjoy this Friday EPL Update:

News and Transfer Rumours:

Brendan Rodgers has reportedly given until 2015 to get Liverpool back into the Champions League.
Rodgers has admitted the chance to manage a footballing 'dynasty' like Liverpool was too good to turn down.

But he will not be allowed to buy any of his former Swansea players for a whole year. 

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina claimed that 'many' players wanted Rafa Benitez back as their manager and he needs to build chemistry between them. 

Chelsea reportedly have agreed a £38million deal with Porto for winger Hulk. 

Wanted: Chelsea are looking at winger Hulk to boost the squad in midfield and challenge for the EPL title next season.

His release clause however is £85million, which could break down the deal.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert is very close to becoming the next Aston Villa manager after Alex McLeish was sacked three weeks ago.

Norwich rejected his resignation, and now he is poised to move to Aston Villa tomorrow.

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner is ready to pay Norwich £1million compensation after Lambert was refused the permission to resign from the club.

He will reportedly get up to £25million to spend in this current transfer window.

Champions League runners-up Bayern Munich are ready to make a bid for out of favour Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

We've been here before: Edin Dzeko is not wanted at City. Bayern are reportedly interested.

Stoke defender Robert Huth is going to have contract talks next weeks over a new deal. 

Newcastle United are scouting FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong at the moment and are ready to make their move for him if Demba Ba goes to Tottenham. 

Manchester City are in a £20million battle with Juventus, Liverpool and Wolfsburg for Bologna's Gaston Ramirez. 


Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas will be paid £12million in compensation for being fired by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich before his contract end during mid-season.

Young Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku admits that he would rather go out on loan, than stay on the Chelsea bench all season.

Roma are interested in Newcastle full-back Davide Santon. 
Newcastle though, would not be ready to sell him unless there is a big fee over £20million as he is 'one for the future'.


Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu is wanted in China.
Shangai Shenhua are reportedly lining up a £5million-a-year contract.



Ajax defender Jan Vertoghen has revealed that he is close to a move to Tottenham and a deal should be signed in 'the next few days or weeks'.
 

Brendan Rodgers' first signing at Liverpool could be Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita who is interested in signing for The Reds.

Chelsea defender and captain John Terry has been banned for three European matches after being sent off against Barcelona in April for violent conduct. 


Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak will decide next week whether he will make his loan move to Fulham a permanent deal.


Newly promoted club West Ham are interested in Senegal defender Abdoulaye Ba and want him to bolster their defence to ensure they stay in the EPL beyond next season.


Sunderland are interested in taking Manchester City striker John Guidetti on loan after a great season at Feyenoord last season.


Aston Villa's released defender Carlos Cuellar is reportedly in talks with Sunderland over a move.


German side Bayer Leverkusen are calling Manchester United's bluff, by saying that they are NOT interested in signing former striker Dimitar Berbatov.
However, they have admitted that they WILL take him, if it is at a cut-price fee.


Manchester United will confirm the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Shinji Kagawa next week.


QPR are lining up a £5million offer for Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster.

He will be desperate to stay in the EPL next season, after going out on loan at West Brom last season.

These are the EPL players which have been released from their clubs on a free transfer due to no contract: 

Didier Drogba
Jose Bosingwa
Salomon Kalou (all Chelsea)
Louis Saha
Ryan Nelsen
Ledley King (all Tottenham)

Pavel Pogrebnyak - Fulham (on loan)
Michael Owen, Tomas Kuzszack - Manchester United
Carlos Cuellar - Aston Villa
Craig Gordon - Sunderland
Ricardo Fuller, Salif Diao - Stoke
Hugo Rodallega, Mohamed Diame, Chris Kirkland - Wigan
Manuel Almunia - Arsenal
Fabio Aurelio - Liverpool
Owen Hargeaves - Manchester City
Keith Andrews - Blackburn
Nicky Shorey - West Brom
Marcus Hahnemann, James McFadden - Everton
Andy Johnson, Danny Murphy - Fulham
Danny Guthrie - Newcastle
Zak Whitbread - Norwich
Ákos Buzsáky, Danny Gabbidon and Fitz Hall - QPR

Euro 2012 News:

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a thigh injury.
England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he has been given a 'huge blow', just days before the tournament is due to start.


Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is his replacement and will take his spot at the Euros.


Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain WILL start tomorrow's friendly against Belgium.


Possible England line-up:
Hart, Cahill, Terry, Johnson, Cole, Gerrard, Parker, Milner, Chamberlain, Young and Welbeck.


Manchester City and Belgium defender Vincent Kompany is a doubt for tomorrow's match against England.
He missed training today, due to a calf injury.


France midfielder Yann M'Vila (who is ready to join Arsenal in the next few weeks), is an injury doubt for Euro 2012 after a sprained ankle sustained against Serbia. 

Injury scare: France midfielder M'Vila sprained his ankle in a friendly against Serbia.

Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker is set for an Olympic call-up after his injury ruled him out of the Euros.

These are the Groups for the Euros:


Group A:
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic


Group B:
Holland
Denmark
Portugal
Germany


Group C:
Spain
Italy
Republic Of Ireland
Croatia


Group D:
Ukraine
France
Sweden
England